Will be working on this chapter over the weekend.
Tobias POV
The next day Tris and I head into Jack's office. Tris is shaken up from the news about Al and while I have been assuring her that everything will be okay I think it'll do her some good hearing it from Jack. Despite her nervousness about the trial, she is just excited as I am to tell Jack our other news. I hold on to her hand as we sit waiting to see Jack. As the door to his office finally opens I hear Tris breathes a sigh of relief. I don't let go of her hand until we sit down inside Jack's office.
"It's good to see you both despite the circumstances. Are you alright, Tris?" Jack asks.
"I think so. I'm just in shock about what happened."
"Understandable. Unfortunately things like this can happen with any kind of legal case. It's not your fault."
I give Tris a pointed look as she says, "I know, Tobias told me the same thing. I'm trying not to feel guilty, but I can't help it."
"You're only human, Tris. It'd certainly be out of character for you to say you don't care what happened."
"It would." I chime in.
Tris sighs. "I am relieved that this will be over sooner rather than later, but it was at the cost of someone's life."
"The trial will be your opportunity to express your feelings as I'm sure the topic will be brought up. Not very many make it this far when going through something like this, but you're strong. Be honest, but try to maintain composure.
"I will. Thank you."
"Now, enough of the heavy stuff. Tell me what's really brought you two here today."
I speak. "Well, Tris and I have decided to take the next step in our relationship. We are engaged."
"That's great news! And you both definitely need that right now. Congratulations!"
"Thank you." We both say.
"When do you plan on having the wedding?"
"This summer, in June. We want you to be part of the wedding." I say.
"Oh? How so?"
I gesture for Tris to answer. "Jack, I want you to be one of my honorary fathers and walk me down the aisle. I decided to ask both you and Tobias' boss because both of you are important to Tobias and now important to me. Anyways, Tobias is asking my brother to be groomsman."
"Of course, Tris. It would be my absolute pleasure."
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Tris POV
The day before the trial I am extremely nervous. I have gone through multiple times in my head what I think I'll be asked and how I want to answer but I am nervous to be in front of the judge and also to see Peter and Drew again. Just thinking about them makes my skin crawl and reminds me of how they were touching me. I am not afraid of Tobias though. I associate his touch with safety.
Tobias draws me a bath but leaves me alone with my thoughts. I soak for a while trying to relax and calm my nerves. When I return to the bedroom, Tobias wordlessly pulls me into his arms. I wrap my arms around his midsection practically holding on for dear life while laying my head on his chest. He gently strokes my hair as I listen to his heartbeat.
"I'm scared," I whisper.
"I know, my love, but everything will be okay. You're strong. The strongest person I know. You can do this. Even if they tried, I don't think Peter and Drew can get away with this. Jack is good at what he does. We have everything we need to prove they're guilty. All of this will be over soon. Then we can get back to planning our dream wedding."
I smile a little as he runs his thumb over my cheek. "I'm beyond excited to marry you."
"Me too."
I sigh. "There is one thing I'm not looking forward to talking about at the trial when I take the stand. I know its not 'if' but 'when'. I wish that I didn't have to touch the subject but I'm probably gonna have to talk about it, at least briefly."
"What subject?"
"Our fight. I'll probably have to say what I did earlier that day and that I was home alone because you had been home but left. Unless they call you up to the stand."
"If I don't get called up and they do ask you, you'll just have to say it. That's okay. I doubt they'll ask what was the reason for the fight but yeah they'll probably need to know why you were home alone."
"And not only that but I'll have to mention running into Peter at the store that day and you might also have to say what you were doing that particular day too."
"Damn. You're right. I didn't realize that, but luckily Jack already knows everything regarding that. Hopefully the judge or the other lawyer doesn't make me go into too much details."
I sigh, somewhat unconvinced. "I hate that our personal lives will be put on display."
"I know, but look at it this way: in terms of our relationship, we are in a different place now."
He grabs my left hand and runs his fingers over my ring. I smile.
"You're right. I love you, you know."
"I know."
I lean up and press my lips to his. He responds immediately. I grab the hem of his shirt and he shifts to help me lift it up. I toss it somewhere on the floor before grabbing my own shirt and pulling it off. I'm not wearing a bra but make no attempt to hide myself. I no longer have a reason to. Tobias looks at me with love and lust in his eyes. His fingers slide into my hair, and I hold on to his arms to stay steady as we press together like two blades at a stalemate. He is stronger than anyone I know, and warmer than anyone else realizes; he is a secret that I have kept, and will keep, for the rest of my life. In that moment I forget that hes another person; instead it feels like he is another part of me, just as essential as a heart or an eye or an arm. This is right.
PAGE BREAK
(cont. Tris POV)
The next morning Tobias makes me tea and breakfast to help calm my nerves. Afterwards we stand in the kitchen as he holds me, stroking my hair and whispering sweet nothings in my ear. I don't cry. I simply let his steady heartbeat soothe me as I breathe in and out. Finally I let go as he kisses my forehead.
Half an hour later I walk hand in hand with Tobias and behind Jack into the courthouse. Caleb and Christina will be here to support me. I told the others that they didn't have to come. Tobias takes a seat next to Caleb and Christina but not before hugging me tight and kissing me lovingly.
Minutes later Peter and Drew are escorted into the courtroom by the bailiff and their lawyers. Peter walks in looking smug and unfazed but Drew is a different story. He looks terrified and gaunt. Clearly prison life has taken a toll on him. I imagine maybe that's what Al looked like before he died. The thought of him hanging there almost brings me to tears but I won't shed a tear for him. I just can't forgive him. He didn't stand up to Peter. I'm not surprised if Drew was also forced by Peter to go along with this. I look back at Tobias and he seems to be thinking the same thing I am. We all rise as the judge enters.
Jack begins questioning Peter and Drew. Peter goes into this whole tale about how he thinks I still love him. Drew seems reluctant to vouch for Peter but says that Peter told him that I'd agree to a 'good time' with both of them, which I find odd considering not even Peter made an attempt to kiss me or remove my clothes. When the hearing is over for the day the judge announces that I will take the stand tomorrow.
A/N: I don't really know much about law/court stuff so I may rush through it. If anyone is unsatisfied with that please let me know if you have any suggestions and details you want me to add.